Arthur Hinman was born in 1859 at Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, England. In his teens he entered the office of merchants Davis and Soper. After a few years he joined the Civil Service in South Africa, and two years later returned to England before trying his fortunes in Australia. He eventually settled in Launceston, and in partnership with James Wright, established a hardware and indent business in 1884 in the old mill store on the corner of Lower George and William streets. Hinman and Wright later built their own premises in Cimitiere Street. In Dec 1903 they took over the business of J T Farmilo, timber merchants, and later formed the company Hinman, Wright and Manser. James Wright is also pictured in the Family Album.

A keen and shrewd business man, Arthur was highly respected by all who knew him. He was involved with three mining companies and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce. In 1912 he represented the Chamber at the Empire conference held in London. He was also a keen bowler, being one of the leading players of the ABC club. He was a member of Christ Church (Congregational).

Arthur married Lucy Maud Gurr, third daughter of William Gurr, an ironmonger, on 6 Nov 1884 at the residence of the bride's parents in Launceston. The marriage was performed by Rev. Charles Price of the Tamar Street Congregational Church. Their first child, a son, was stillborn on 25 Aug 1885, at 'Victoria Cottage', Invermay. Their only daughter, Maud Mary, was born at Invermay on 10 Sep 1886 and married John Gatenby of 'Glasslough', Epping, in 1909 and moved to New Zealand. Three sons were born at 'Highgate', Abbott Street, Newstead. George Campbell, born on 3 Sep 1888, entered his father's business and married firstly Phyllis Crisp of Burnie in 1912 and secondly Susannah Archer of Longford. Arthur Gurr, born on 19 Jun 1890 was a metallurgical engineer and died in World War I. William Frederick, born on 1 Jul 1892 studied law and married Jean Gibson.

Arthur Hinman died after a lingering illness at his residence 'Moina', Elphin Road, on 17 Jul 1914, aged 55. His wife Lucy died on 1 Aug 1918.

Marion Sargent Sep 2011

Our project is continuing to gather family history data on the people who had season tickets to the Exhibition. If you have information you would like to contribute please email us at launcestonfamilyalbum@gmail.com.